Reading Blog: Glitch Art

The Glitch Art Manifesto portrays the malfunctions and abnormalities in the digital world as a form of art. Throughout the reading, glitches are embraced, looking at errors and distortions that would normally be looked at as abnormal or unexpected, but rather perceived as a powerful and meaningful form of art. The manifesto challenges the idea of perfection in the digital world, and rather focuses on an appreciation of interruption and disruption. Glitches can be intentionally made or completely unpredicted, the reading relates glitch art to the weather, “Sometimes it evolves very slowly while other times it can strike like lightning”. I thought it was interesting when it brought up different mediums, claiming any medium can be broken towards the point where it becomes something new. This makes me realize that anything can be interrupted, and shifted away from its ordinary. I think that this reading is all about embracing error, whether it be intentional or not. Especially when it comes to technology, uncovering and exploring those errors is something that's often overlooked. Glitch art reveals the inner workings and processes of digital media. We're able to engage with technology but not as we normally would but rather more actively affecting it. By manipulating and “breaking” digital material, we redefine the actual process and mechanics of the machine. Art is all about challenging ideas and developing traditional ways, glitch art is a great representation of how different forms of art are effective.